The big question for Clemson going into the 2017 football season, and what could very well end up deciding just how far the Tigers can go, is who will be the Tigers’ quarterback in the fall?

Kelly Bryant, Zerrick Cooper and Hunter Johnson are competing for the starting job, with Bryant edging out Cooper and Johnson to this point because of his tenure and game experience (although limited).

One name that Clemson fans might start to hear quite about once summer starts is Chase Brice.

Brice, ranked by ESPN as the No. 15 quarterback in the country, is a member of the small yet deep Class of 2017.

As his time to become a Clemson Tiger nears, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Grayson (Ga.) standout said his dream is starting to become more and more of a reality.

“I think it is starting to build up,” he said. “Realizing that there’s only a couple months of high school left is so surreal.”

Brice said this spring is providing him with a chance to improve his overall physical shape and his technical skills.

“I am working out as often as I can, trying to get bigger, faster, & stronger,” he said. “Working on my arm strength and footwork as well.”

Although Brice is going into a major quarterback competition where he is the underdog because of the short amount of time he will have spent with team compared to the other quarterbacks, he said he will be ready to go out and give everything he has.

“I always have high expectations for myself in anything I do and it’s no different here,” he said. “I expect myself to come in and simply compete, work hard and show as much as I can with the little time that I have!”

Brice lead Grayson to a Georgia State Championship win this past season, and he believes that experience helped him develop as a better leader and player.

“I think it will help me tremendously,” he said. “I think winning the championship at Grayson and how we came back on a team like Roswell will only help me throughout my time at Clemson if I prepare myself the right way. I know what it’s like and what someone might call “pressure situations” are just normal for me.”

The consistent level of competition Brice faced on a weekly basis also gives him a leg up at the college level.

“I’ve played against the highest level of competition for four straight years and my senior year being the most difficult,” said Brice. “I’ve played against guys in practice and in games who will most likely start their freshman year of college. I’ve seen speed week in and week out.”

Regardless of the competition this year, Brice said he is looking forward to the next chapter of his life as a Clemson Tiger.

“I’m looking forward to developing new relationships with the players and coaches,” he said. “It’s kind of like starting over. Leaving Grayson, I have developed new relationships over at North Oconee and then leaving North Oconee, I’ll meet a whole new set a people and teammates that will be my brothers so that’s what I’m most excited about.”

We are taking orders for our limited edition magazine Mission Accomplished. Remember Clemson’s championship season with this great magazine from the staff that covers Clemson football 365 days a year. Order your’s today to make sure you get a copy!